Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement after Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt stated during an interview with CNBC that carbon dioxide is not a primary contributor to climate change.

“It is now clear why Administrator Pruitt has set the stage for massive cuts to EPA staff and programs and stocked the top offices at the EPA with climate change deniers. Despite claiming otherwise at his confirmation hearing, he now inexplicably rejects the 97% of scientists who believe that CO2 is a primary contributor to climate change. This is further confirmation that the Trump administration cannot be taken at its word and that its policies are based on its extreme views rather than scientific fact.

“It is imperative that Congress fights Mr. Pruitt every step of the way as he attempts to dismantle the EPA and the progress we have achieved in recent years. Our nation cannot afford to reverse course on climate action.”